VIDEO: Decision expected today on Pine Tree football coach

No action was taken by Pine Tree ISD trustees late Monday involving Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Derek Fitzhenry.

Superintendent Dr. T.J. Farler said trustees have given her instructions regarding Fitzhenry, who has been on paid administrative leave since Sept. 3 for an incident that reportedly occurred at an Aug. 31 football game. Farler would not release trustees' decision, saying that "it is a personnel matter."

She did say the matter would be resolved today.

More than 190 people showed up to trustees' meeting. Many of them showed support for Fitzhenry.

"Over the years, we've had so many coaches come in, come out," Pine Tree senior football player Bryndin Hartman said in support of Fitzhenry, "and it seems like now, as a team, we've grown together to be part of a family."

There were others at Monday's meeting who called for the board to make a tough disciplinary decision if the facts merited it.

"As a board, you may not be responsible for the actions that have taken place over the last few days, but you are responsible legally and ethically for what happens from here," said Debbie Garrett, who said she was a Pine Tree parent and alum.

Monday night's meeting lasted five hours, forty-five minutes -- including two closed sessions that lasted more than four combined hours. Still, at least 40 people were there when trustees adjourned shortly after 11:15 p.m.